News And Updates

MANATEE COUNTY — County Commissioners this afternoon rejected a Mosaic Phosphate Co. plan to mine a 1,500-acre tract in northeast Manatee, a decision that may land both sides in a protracted legal battle.

The 4-3 vote to reject the Altman Tract plan centered largely on the fact that the phosphate extraction would destroy about 400 acres of high-quality wetlands.

Commissioners Joe McClash, Ron Getman, Amy Stein and Jane von Hahmann voted to reject the plan. Both Stein and von Hahmann were defeated in last month’s Republican primary and will leave office in November.

Mosaic spokesman David Townsend said the company will likely sue to overturn the decision.

“We’re going to pursue all the legal remedies available to us,” he said.

The county’s legal staff has warned that Mosaic would likely sue. The Altman Tract phosphate has an estimated value of nearly $400 million, county officials say.